Anthropology Minor
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Program description
Anthropology is the study of humankind in all of its forms (cultural, biological, and linguistic), past and present, using a holistic and global perspective. It comprises four primary subfields: archaeology, biological anthropology, linguistic anthropology, and sociocultural anthropology, all of which are uniquely linked by the concept of culture.
Anthropology combines a set of theories and methods that have, at their core, the development of an understanding of human biological and cultural variability. It allows students to learn about the scientific, social, political, and historical perspectives on human variation and human evolution. It challenges them to examine their own beliefs, and come to their own conclusions, about the implications in today's world of biological and cultural variation, including how false narratives are used to oppress certain groups. Fundamentally, anthropology contributes to the liberal education of students at the University of Minnesota by tackling questions that are at the heart of societal tensions: how does identity relate to the biological and cultural factors that have shaped humans as a species and that continue to shape populations and individuals? Importantly, anthropology as a reflexive discipline also examines its own legacy. Many of our classes tackle the impact of colonialism, racism, and other actions and ideologies that serve to justify and perpetuate inequality.
In order to obtain a Minor in Anthropology, students are expected to take a minimum of one 1xxx-level course and four upper-level (3xxx or higher) courses that have a common focus. A common focus usually corresponds with one of the four subfields of anthropology: biological anthropology (the evolutionary history of human and nonhuman primates), archaeology (the study of prehistoric and historic societies through their material culture), sociocultural anthropology (the study of the behavior of recent people in settings that range from unindustrialized societies to modern urban centers), and linguistic anthropology (the comparative study of languages and communication).
A minor in anthropology is a valuable complement to many majors, especially those whose subject matter or methods overlap with anthropology. It is useful for students pursuing careers in academia and beyond, including business and environmental consulting, state and local government, and the nonprofit sector. The attractiveness of the Anthropology Minor degree to employers reflects the outstanding research and writing skills that students acquire, their deep knowledge of the role of culture in society, and the unique observational and critical thinking skills they possess.
A minor in anthropology also provides excellent preparation for professional schools in medicine, public health, nursing, and law. This degree offers a holistic education that, regardless of the job attained after graduation, provides a perspective on humanity that inspires a lifetime of engagement with the issues of importance to our globalized society.
Anthropology combines a set of theories and methods that have, at their core, the development of an understanding of human biological and cultural variability. It allows students to learn about the scientific, social, political, and historical perspectives on human variation and human evolution. It challenges them to examine their own beliefs, and come to their own conclusions, about the implications in today's world of biological and cultural variation, including how false narratives are used to oppress certain groups. Fundamentally, anthropology contributes to the liberal education of students at the University of Minnesota by tackling questions that are at the heart of societal tensions: how does identity relate to the biological and cultural factors that have shaped humans as a species and that continue to shape populations and individuals? Importantly, anthropology as a reflexive discipline also examines its own legacy. Many of our classes tackle the impact of colonialism, racism, and other actions and ideologies that serve to justify and perpetuate inequality.
In order to obtain a Minor in Anthropology, students are expected to take a minimum of one 1xxx-level course and four upper-level (3xxx or higher) courses that have a common focus. A common focus usually corresponds with one of the four subfields of anthropology: biological anthropology (the evolutionary history of human and nonhuman primates), archaeology (the study of prehistoric and historic societies through their material culture), sociocultural anthropology (the study of the behavior of recent people in settings that range from unindustrialized societies to modern urban centers), and linguistic anthropology (the comparative study of languages and communication).
A minor in anthropology is a valuable complement to many majors, especially those whose subject matter or methods overlap with anthropology. It is useful for students pursuing careers in academia and beyond, including business and environmental consulting, state and local government, and the nonprofit sector. The attractiveness of the Anthropology Minor degree to employers reflects the outstanding research and writing skills that students acquire, their deep knowledge of the role of culture in society, and the unique observational and critical thinking skills they possess.
A minor in anthropology also provides excellent preparation for professional schools in medicine, public health, nursing, and law. This degree offers a holistic education that, regardless of the job attained after graduation, provides a perspective on humanity that inspires a lifetime of engagement with the issues of importance to our globalized society.
Program last updated
Fall 2026